Arrival in Nuie

Sept. 29th – Arrival in Nuie

Nuie is an elevated coral outcropping perched on top of a seamount
rising from very deep water. Its 100 square miles makes it the largest
coral island in the world. We arrived just after noon in exactly 4 days
for the 570 miles traveled and picked up a free mooring just off the
main city of Alofi. After handling Customs and Immigration procedures we
celebrated with milk shakes and nochos at a local restaurant and fresh
water showers. Here the local time shifted another hour and we
attempted, but didn’t get far, to explore the 2 block long town as
stores began to close so we will continue today.
It rained all day today so we spent most of our time at the the internet
cafe . Nuie caters to the cruising boats so much they asked our
permission if a French Navy vessel could moor here tonight. Also they
have an interesting procedure when going ashore you use a crane to hoist
your dingy and outboard up on the sea wall so the serge does not damage
them. It works very well and could be easily done in other places. If
the weather is OK we will all rent bicycles and ride around the Island.
Love
Jim